Thermally insulated handle systems for wheeled items towable by a person

ABSTRACT

A towing handle system for a wheeled item includes a handle attachable to the wheeled item and having a handle grip portion for a person&#39;s hand to tow the item. The handle grip portion is fabricated from a cellular solid thermal insulation material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/690,632 filed Jun. 15, 2005, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of bags, from luggage items to briefcases and backpacks,now include wheels and a towing handle which allow the bags to be pulledor towed along a surface behind a person rather than being carried abovethe ground by the person. The towing handle is typically located on anend of the bag opposite the wheels, and the bag is pulled along theground in an inclined position or rolled vertically on casters. Suchhandles can be very convenient and are now popular.

Typically, the towing handle is mounted to telescoping supportsextending alongside a back panel of the bag, and the handle isextendible for towing or retractable into the bag in a generally flushposition with an outer contour of the bag. Conventionally, the handleswere rigidly mounted to the supports and when the supports wereextended, the handle was in a fixed position relative to the supports.It has been found, however, that such handles can become uncomfortableto hold for an extended period of time.

Various types of handle systems have been developed to reduce userfatigue in towing baggage. For example, pivoting or rotatable handleshave been employed in an effort provide more comfortable pullingpositions. While known handle systems have had varying degrees ofsuccess in addressing such issues, none has yet to completely overcomecomfortability issues for towing of baggage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to an exemplary embodiment, a towing handle system for awheeled item is provided. The system includes a handle attachable to thewheeled item and comprising a handle grip portion for a person's hand totow the item. The handle grip portion comprising a cellular solidthermal insulation material.

Optionally, the cellular solid thermal insulation material comprisescork, and more specifically a cork infused rubberized or plasticizedmaterial. The towable item may be selected from the group of a luggageitem, an equipment carrier, and a golf bag carrier. At least onetelescoping support post may be provided, with the handle being attachedto the support post. Alternatively, the handle may be fixed to a surfaceof the wheeled item. Various shapes of the handle may be provided,including a T-shaped handle, a ball shaped handle, and U-shaped handle.A pivot mechanism may be configured to pivot the handle about at leastone axis, and the handle may comprise a carrier, with the thermalinsulation material overmolded on the carrier.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a wheeled bag is provided.The bag comprises a body defining at least one compartment for storingitems therein for transport by a person, at least one wheel coupled tothe body, and a towing handle mounted to the body and accessible to auser for towing of the bag by a person along a supporting surface. Thetowing handle comprises a solid cellular material defining at least aportion of a handle grip.

Optionally, the body may define one of a luggage item, an equipmentcarrier or a golf bag carrier. The shape of the handle may be selectedfrom the group of an asymmetrical shape, a T-shape, a ball shape and a Ushape. The bag may comprise a collapsible side wall.

According to still another embodiment, a baggage system is provided. Thesystem includes a piece of baggage defining at least one storagecompartment for storing items packed therein for transport; wheelscoupled to the piece of baggage for rolling the baggage along a surface,and a towing handle mounted to the body and extendable therefrom to atowing position. The towing handle comprises an internal carrier elementand a external thermal insulation material applied to the internalcarrier element. The thermal insulation material comprises a corkinfused rubberized material, and the thermal insulation material definesa handle grip for towing of the piece of baggage by a person along thesurface.

Optionally, the system may further comprise at least one support postjoining the handle to the baggage, and the support post may be curvedalong its length. The handle may be selectively positionable relative tothe bag. The handle may be connected to a telescoping support, and thehandle may be positionable relative to the support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary towable baggage item according to oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention with a towing arm in anextended position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the towable baggage item shown in FIG. 1 with thetowing arm in a retracted position.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the towing handle shown in FIGS. 1and 2 formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 3taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the handle shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the handle shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a towing handleformed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle of FIG. 7 takenalong line 8-8.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a towing handleformed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 9taken along line 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a towing handleformed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 11taken along line 12-12.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a towing handle formed inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 13taken along line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of sixth embodiment of a towinghandle assembly formed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 15taken along line 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a towing handleformed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 17taken along line 18-18.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of an exemplary piece of baggageincluding the towing handle shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of an equipment carrier in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a towable golf bag formedin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the towing handle shown in FIG. 21taken along line 20-20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein that overcomenotable disadvantages of conventional towing handle systems. In order tofully appreciate the invention, Part I of this disclosure discussesproblems and disadvantages of conventional towing handle systems, andPart II of this disclosure discusses exemplary embodiments of theinvention overcoming the problems and disadvantages of known handleassemblies.

I. Introduction to the Invention

Traditionally, hand grips for towable luggage handle systems have beenmade of hard injection molded plastics. In recent years, qualitymanufacturers have begun the use of Thermo Plastic Rubber (TPR) moldedover the hard plastic grip surfaces, giving a softer contact surface forthe luggage user's hand. Such TPR materials are not withoutdisadvantages, however.

For example, known TPR materials tend to absorb ambient temperatures andmaintain ambient temperatures for some time before acclimating to a newenvironment. When, for example, luggage is stowed in baggagecompartments of aircraft and/or is transported to and from the aircraftvia an outdoor location in cold weather, handles fabricated from TPR maybecome quite cool, or even cold, to the touch. Moreover, the handlegrips can stay cold for a lengthy period of time. The cold handles mayresult in some discomfort for user's when towing the luggage.

Additionally, TPR materials, while being softer than injection moldedplastics, nonetheless can transmit vibration to a user's hand as theluggage is being towed. In combination with the above-noted temperatureeffects of TPR materials, dissatisfaction with the luggage handle systemmay result.

II. Embodiments of the Invention

To overcome these and other difficulties in the art, items towable by aperson may include embodiments of towing handle assemblies havingthermal insulation materials provided thereon to avoid noticeabletemperature effects in use. With the use of such thermal insulationmaterials, handle grip portions for the user's hand when towing the bagsmay more capably resist short-term temperature changes and may thereforeprovide an enhanced level of comfort in use.

Additionally, the thermal insulation materials utilized in the presentinvention may provide for vibration dampening, thereby reducingvibration experienced at the user's hand while towing the baggage.Reducing vibration, in part, alleviates user fatigue when towing thebaggage for extended distances or for extended time periods. Thecombination of thermal insulation in the handle and vibration dampeningand shock absorbing properties of the handle construction is believed toprovide superior towing performance and comfortability for a persontowing the bag in relation to known handle assemblies.

The handle may be fabricated into any desired shape or configuration,and may be used with a variety of towable items, including luggage itemssuch as suitcases, backpacks, briefcases, garment bags, and duffel bags.Handles according to the invention may also be utilized with, forexample, sports equipment bags and sports equipment carriers, such asgolf bag carriers and the like. It is also understood that the towinghandle assembly described further below may be used on other types ofhand towable items, aside from luggage items or sports equipment bags,for storing or transporting other items without limitation and whileachieving substantially the same benefits described hereinbelow.Therefore, the examples described below are provided for purposes ofillustration rather than limitation.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary towing member handle system100 secured to a towable item 102. As illustrated in the Figures, thetowable item 102 is a piece of luggage having a body 104 defining acompartment 105 (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) with one or more points ofaccess for receiving personal effects and items of a traveler, such asclothes, shoes, toiletries, gear and accessories etc. that one may needfor an outing or trip away from home. The body 104 may be sized anddimensioned appropriately for transport in an aircraft or vehicle, andincludes one or more wheels 106 on a lower edge thereof that allow thebody to be rolled along a surface when desired. While illustrated as abackpack in FIG. 1, it is understood that the towable item 102 mayassume various alternative shapes and styles of luggage items, includingbut not limited to substantially rectangular general purpose luggagebags or suitcases, briefcases, duffel bags, equipment bags and the like,some examples of which are discussed further below.

The handle system 100 may include an extendible arm or support 110 and atowing handle 112. The arm or support 110 may be positioned in anextended position relative to the backpack 102 and the handle 112 may bepositioned at an end of the support arm 110 opposite from the backpack102. The support arm 110 includes telescoping members positionablebetween an extended position (FIG. 1) and a retracted position (FIG. 2).FIG. 2 illustrates the support arm 110 in the retracted position andwith the towing handle 112 rotated relative to the arm portion such thatthe hand grip of the towing handle is horizontally oriented.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the towing member handle system 100 mayfurther include a pivot mechanism 114. The towing handle 112 may berotatable about an axis of A-A of the support arm 110 via the pivotmechanism 114 between a towing position at a first angle relative to thearm portion 110 as shown in FIG. 1 and a stowed position at a secondangle relative to the arm portion 110 as shown in FIG. 2, although inother embodiments the handle 112 may be rigidly fixed to the support arm110 if desired.

In an exemplary embodiment, the arm portion 110 of the preferredembodiment may be a curved, retractable single-pole telescoping memberformed by a plurality of slidably engaged tubular sections 116, 118,120. The tubular sections 116, 118, 120 may have an elliptical or ovalcross-section and may be configured to slide one inside the other in atelescoping manner. To reduce wear and provide sufficient strength, thetubular sections 116, 118, 120 are preferably made of steel, aluminum,or other suitable materials. The tubular section 120 having the largestcross-section is fixed to inside of the baggage 102 and the remainingtubular sections 116, 118 telescope therefrom along an arcuate path thatdefines a center-axis A—A along the length of the arm portion 118. Aknown locking mechanism including, for example, spring loaded pins, ispreferably configured to automatically lock the arm portion 110 in theextended position once the arm portion is fully extended.

Opposite the tubular section 120 that is fixed to the backpack 102, thedistal tubular section 116 having the smallest cross-section has an end122 that remains free to support the towing handle 112. A pair of holes124 are provided adjacent the free end 122 to secure the towing handle112 to the arm portion 110 as described below.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the towing handle 112 may be T-shaped. TheT-shape of the towing handle 112 may be formed by a stem 130 thatpreferably extends perpendicularly from a crossbar or hand grip 132along a center axis B—B of the stem 130. The stem 130 of the towinghandle 112 may terminate at a flat, circular bearing surface 134 that isperpendicular to the center axis. A cylindrical through-hole 136 extendsalong the center axis through the stem 130 and hand grip 132. Thebearing surface 134 and the through-hole 136 partly define the pivotmechanism 114 (FIG. 1). One exemplary pivot mechanism is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,651,791, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety. Other exemplary pivot mechanisms allowingrelative motion of the handle 112 about more than one axis, and lockingmechanisms to lockably maintain the handle 112 in more than one positionrelative to the arm 110, are disclosed in commonly owned and copendingU.S. application Ser. No. 10/238,390 filed Sep. 10, 2002, the disclosureof which is also incorporated by reference in its entirety.Alternatively, other pivoting or positioning mechanisms may be employedto provide different pulling or towing positions of the handle 112relative to the backpack 102.

Although one embodiment of the towing handle 112 is T-shaped as shown inthe FIGS. 1-3, the handle 112 may alternatively be fabricated intovirtually any desired shape or configuration. As one example, the handle112 may be used with more than one support arm 110 to interconnectparallel supports and define a gripping surface for a user to tow thebackpack 102.

Unlike conventional handle assemblies, the towing handle 112 isfabricated at least in part from materials having greater thermalinsulation and thermal resistance properties than TPR materials andconventional plastic materials used to fabricate conventional towinghandles. Preferably, the thermal insulation material also has a lowdensity and is lightweight, while being highly resilient and chemicallystable and having low permeability to provide a durable handleconstruction. More specifically, an advantageous thermal insulatormaterial for the handle 112 may be a cellular solid material having lowmodulus and low thermal conductivity such as, for example, natural cork.Cork, for example, has a geometry of solid cell walls that are generallyprismatic with, on average, six lateral faces. The cellular structure ofcork provides for thermal resistance to temperature changes, as well asvibration dampening. While cork is one example of a cellular solidmaterial having such properties desirable for construction of the handle112, it is recognized that other cellular solid materials may alsoprovide similar properties and be beneficial in other embodiments of thepresent invention.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the handle 112 and moreparticularly the handle grip portion 132, may be fabricated from amolded cork-infused rubberized or plasticized material 140 to providecomfort and insulation from dramatic temperature changes commonlyencountered during air travel. The natural cork material provides apleasing contact surface, but also offers performance characteristicssuperior to traditional material applications, including thermalinsulation properties and vibration dampening properties. The rubberizedcork material 140 also provides for resilience and durability of thehandle grip.

More particularly, ground cork may be combined with a binding materialin a known manner to provide the rubberized cork material 140 and therubberized cork material 142 may be overmolded on an internal carrierpart 142 (as shown in FIG. 4) to serve as an ergonomic contact surfacefor the user's hand. The relative amounts of cork and binding materialin the material 140, and the thickness of the material 140 applied tothe carrier part 142, may be appropriately selected to provide anoptimum amount of thermal insulation and vibration dampening for thehandle 112 in use In other embodiments, the material 140 may be appliedto the carrier part 142 by other known techniques in lieu of overmoldingprocesses, or alternatively the entire handle 112 may be fabricated fromthe material 140 without utilizing an internal carrier part.

In an exemplary embodiment, the binder material used to fabricate thematerial 140 may comprise, for example, a resinous plastic such aspolypropylene, and a catalyst may be used to produce a rubberythermoplastic elastomer in a known manner. A cellular solid material,such as cork, may then be mixed with the thermoplastic elastomer andmolded into an appropriate shape over the carrier 142. Whilepolypropylene is believed to be particularly appropriate for theinvention, it is understood that other binding materials may likewise beemployed.

The internal carrier 142 may be fabricated from known materials, such asknown injection molded plastic materials and the like providingstructural strength and rigidity in a lightweight construction. Theinternal carrier 142 may have a solid construction or a hollowconstruction as desired. When the carrier 142 is overmolded with therubberized thermal insulation material 140, the thermal insulationmaterial provides an overlay, coating, or encapsulation of the internalcarrier 142 with thermal insulation and vibration dampening material.When the thermal insulation material 140 is a rubberized cork material,vibration dampening and shock absorption may also be provided. Thehandle grip portion 132 may optionally be ergonomically shaped with acurved finger engagement surface defining finger rests 144. Enhanceduser comfort is thereby achieved, and when the thermal insulationmaterial is a rubberized cork material, the cork provides a uniqueaesthetic appearance to the handle 112, in addition to the mechanicalproperties described above.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and bottom views, respectively, of the handle 112,wherein it is seen that the thermal insulation material 140 extends oversubstantially the entire outer surfaces of the handle grip portion 132,while the stem 130 and the handle release button assembly 150 areexposed or otherwise not covered by the thermal insulation material 140.In other embodiments, only selected portions of the handle grip 132, orother portions of the handle 112, may be provided with the thermalinsulation material 140 as desired.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a towing handle 200 thatmay be used, for example, with a piece of baggage such as the baggage102 shown in FIG. 1. Like the handle 112, the handle 120 includes ahandle grip portion 202 and a stem 204 that may be attached to a distalend of an arm portion, such as the arm portion 110 shown in FIG. 1. Thehandle 200 is also T-shaped in an exemplary embodiment, but is generallycylindrical or tubular in the handle grip portion 202, and slots 206 maybe provided in a lower side of the handle grip 202 to provide additionalresilience to the handle 200. The handle grip portion 202 and the stem204 may be covered with the thermal insulation material 142 describedabove. FIG. 8 depicts a cylindrical carrier 208 upon which the material140 may be overmolded as described above. By virtue of the material 140,the handle 200 provides similar advantages to those described above.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a towing handle 220including a handle grip portion 222 and a stem 224 that may be mountedto a support or arm 226 that may, in turn, be affixed to a piece ofbaggage such as the baggage 102 (FIG. 1). The handle 220 is T-shaped inan exemplary embodiment, and the handle grip portion 222 is formed intoa generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. The handle gripportion 222 may be covered with the thermal insulation material 142described above. FIG. 10 depicts a carrier 208 upon which the material140 may be overmolded as described above, and the carrier 208 impartsthe generally rectangular shape to the handle grip 222. By virtue of thematerial 140, the handle 220 provides similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a towing handle 230including a handle grip portion 232 and a stem 234 that may be mountedto a support or arm 236 that may, in turn, be affixed to a piece ofbaggage such as the baggage 102 (FIG. 1). The handle 230 is formed withthe grip portion 232, side supports 238 a and 238 b extending fromopposed ends of the grip portion 232, and a lower portion 240interconnecting the side supports 238 a and 238 b. Some or all of thehandle grip portion 232, the side supports 238 and 238 b and the lowerportion 240 of the handle 230 may be covered with the thermal insulationmaterial 140 described above. FIG. 12 depicts a tubular carrier 242 uponwhich the material 140 may be overmolded as described above, and thecarrier 242 imparts a tubular shape to the handle grip 232. By virtue ofthe material 140, the handle 230 provides similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a towing handle system 250that may be used on a piece of baggage, such as the baggage 102 (FIG.1). In an exemplary embodiment, the handle system 250 includes atelescoping arm or support 252 having a proximal a distal end 254. Thesupport 252 may be curved or bowed along its axial length, although thesupport 252 need not be curved in other embodiments of the inventionVarious cross sectional shapes and configurations of the support 252 maybe provided. Additionally a non-telescoping support 252 mayalternatively be used.

A towing handle 256 is mounted to the distal end 254 of the support 252,and a ball pivot joint 258 couples the towing handle 256 to the support252 at the distal end 254. In one embodiment, the support 252 defines asingle post support structure for the handle 126, sometimes referred toas a monopole support structure. It is understood, however, thatparallel post support structures known in the art could likewise beutilized in alternative embodiments as desired to support the handle256. In a parallel post support structure embodiment, the handle 256 maybe carried on a cross bar or other joining structure between theparallel posts. The support 252 may be fabricated from known materials,such as aluminum, according to known techniques.

As shown in FIG. 13, the handle 256 and ball pivot joint 258 may coupledto the distal end 254 of the support 152 via a socket 260. The socket260 is fixedly mounted to the end 254 of the support 252, and the socket260 receives the ball pivot joint 258 and permits floating movement ofthe ball pivot joint 258 with respect to the socket 260. The ball pivotjoint 258 permits a natural float in the relative position of the towinghandle 256 and the support 252. That is, the towing handle 256 enjoys alimited freedom of movement relative to the support 252 and is generallyself-adjusting in position to different towing conditions independent ofany conscious action by the user. That is, the natural float of thehandle 256 tends to present a relatively constant pulling orientation ofthe towing handle 256 with respect to the user's hand despite changingtowing conditions and maneuvering of the bag that would otherwise causethe relative position of the handle 256 and the user's hand to change.Therefore, and unlike known dynamic handle assemblies, the float inpositioning of the handle 256 by virtue of the ball pivot joint 258eliminates the need and the tendency of users to adjust and readjusttheir grip on the handle 256 when towing an item, such as the piece ofbaggage 102. Accordingly, the float of the handle 256 avoids userdiscomfort associated with frequent hand grip adjustment inevitablyincurred with conventional towing handle assemblies. The handle float isfurther disclosed in co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/346,705 filed Feb. 3, 2006, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The handle 256 may include a stem 262 coupled in a stationary manner tothe ball pivot joint 258, and an asymmetrical shaped handle grip 264extending from the stem 262. The handle grip 264 generally includes atop surface 266 having a generally flat end 268 and a rounded trailingend 270 each extending laterally outwardly from the stem 262. Curvedfinger grips 272, 274 extend opposite the flat end 268 of the topsurface 266 and the trailing end 270 of the top surface 266. In use, auser may grasp the handle 256 with the palm of the hand facing the uppersurface 266 and the thumb generally on the trailing end 270, with theuser's fingers wrapped around the handle 256 and engaging the fingergrips 272, 274. When gripped in such a manner, the asymmetric shape ofthe handle 256 is believed to provide a natural and comfortable towingorientation.

Some or all of the handle grip portion 264 may be covered with thethermal insulation material 140 described above. FIG. 14 depicts acarrier 272 having a medallion shaped cross section upon which thematerial 140 may be overmolded as described above, and the carrier 272imparts a medallion shape to the handle grip 266. By virtue of thematerial 140, the handle 256 provides similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of a towing handleassembly 280 including a towing handle 282 and towing arm support post284. The support post 284 has a trapezoidal shaped profile or crosssection, and in an exemplary embodiment includes a front face or surface286, side faces or surfaces 288 extending rearwardly from and at anangle to the front face 286, and a rear face 290 extending opposite thefront face 286 and interconnecting the side surfaces 288.

The towing handle 282 is attached to an upper end 292 of the supportpost 284 in a known manner, such as with screw fasteners (not shown).The towing handle 282 includes a stem 294 that is mounted to the supportpost 284, a lower grip housing 296, and a stationary grip housing 298.The lower housing 296 extends between the stem 294 and the stationaryhousing 298, and the lower housing 296 is rotatable about thelongitudinal axis 300 of the towing handle 282 and the support post 284in the direction of arrows A and B. The upper housing 298, however, ismounted stationary to the support post 284 and the stem 294. A portionof the stem 294 is received within the support post 184, and thetrapezoidal shape of the support post 284 prevents the stem 294 fromrotating relative to the support post 284. However, while the supportpost 284 is trapezoidal in an exemplary embodiment, it is recognizedthat in alternative embodiments other cross sectional shapes andprofiles may be employed in the support post 284.

The towing handle 282 in an exemplary embodiment is rounded and shapedlike a ball such that a user may comfortably grasp the lower housing 296with his or her fingers while cradling the upper housing 298 with thepalm of his or her hand. A push button 302 is readily accessible at thetop edge of the upper housing 298 and may be depressed, for example,with a user's thumb to release the telescoping support 284 and move thesupport 284 between extended and retracted positions relative to a priceof baggage, such as the baggage 102 (FIG. 1). Further details regardingthe construction and operation of the handle 282 are disclosed incommonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/142,041 filed Jun. 1, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Some or all of the handle 282 may be covered with the thermal insulationmaterial 140 described above. FIG. 16 depicts carrier elements 304, 306upon which the material 140 may be overmolded as described above, andthe carriers 304, 306 impart a ball shape to the handle 282. By virtueof the material 140, the handle 282 provides similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate another embodiment of a towing handle assembly320 including a handle 322 and parallel telescoping support posts 324 aand 324 b. In accordance with known telescoping supports, the supportposts 324 include sliding support members arranged in a concentricfashion, and the sliding members include spring loaded pins (not shown)which engage apertures (not shown) to lock the supports in an extendedposition or a retracted position relative to a piece of baggage 326. Thehandle assembly 320 includes a push button 328 which, among otherthings, releases the pins from the apertures in the posts 324 and allowsthe posts 324 to telescope to the extended or retracted positions. Thesupport posts 324 may be fabricated from, for example, aluminum,according to a known process.

As shown in FIG. 19, the pushbutton 328 also releases a locking latchmechanism which allows the handle assembly 322 to move between anupright position (shown in phantom in FIG. 19) substantially parallel tothe support posts 324, and a towing position at a predetermined angle αwith respect to the axis of the support posts 324. Thus, in the towingposition, the handle assembly 322 leans at the angle α with respect tothe bag 326, and further, the handle assembly 322 leans in a directionaway from an axis 330 of the bag 326 and extends away from and beyondthe back panel 332 of the bag 326. The bag 326 is illustrated as agenerally rectangular, general purpose luggage bag, although it isappreciated that a variety of other types of bags and luggage items mayalternatively be employed.

Referring now to FIG. 17 the towing handle 320 is configured to becoupled to an end of the support posts 324. The handle 320 includes ahandle retainer housing 340 which is mounted stationary to the supportposts 324 with known fasteners 342, such as rivets. The handle retainerhousing 340 extends between and connects the support posts 324 a, 324 bto one another, thereby maintaining the support posts 324 in a spacedapart relation to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the handleretainer housing 340 is fabricated in two halves from, for example,plastic according to known techniques. The halves of the retainerhousing 340 encase a locking latch mechanism which permits the handle322 to move between the upright and towing positions. The locking latchmechanism is described in detail in commonly owned and co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/882,369 filed Jul. 1, 2004, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The handle 322 includes a U-shaped frame or shell 344 which is pivotallymounted to the handle retaining housing 340. The shell 344 is movablerelative to the handle retainer housing 340, and is selectivelypositionable between the upright and towing positions. Thumb rests 346are provided in the shell 344 and the push button 328 extends through anouter surface 348 of the shell 344. The shell 344 may be fabricatedfrom, for example, plastic according to a known molding operation.

Some or all of the handle shell 344 may be covered with the thermalinsulation material 140 described above. As shown in FIG. 18, the shell344 serves as a carrier element upon which the material 140 may beovermolded as described above, and the shell 344 imparts an outwardlyflared shape to the handle 322. By virtue of the material 140, thehandle 322 provides similar advantages to those described above.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a towable item in the form ofa bag 360 having a towable handle 362 formed in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the embodimentsdescribed above, the handle 362 is not mounted to a telescoping supportor supports.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bag 360 is an equipment bag or equipmentcarrier that is configured for carrying oversized athletic equipmentwhich may not be accommodated in conventional luggage bags due to sizeand weight constraints. It is understood that the bag 360 can beutilized in and for a variety of athletic endeavors, including, but notlimited to, bags for transporting hockey gear, ball bags (e.g.baseballs, soccer balls and basketballs), and other items associatedwith athletic and recreational activity. It is appreciated that thebenefits and advantages of the invention may occur in a variety ofequipment carriers, and while the invention is described and illustratedin the context of exemplary athletic equipment carriers, the inventionis not intended to be limited thereto. For example, the bag 360 mayalternatively be a duffel bag or another luggage item.

In an exemplary embodiment, the equipment bag 360 includes a back wall364 which is at least partially fabricated from a rigid material, suchas, for example, molded plastic. The rigid back wall 364 has a generallyflat or planar outer surface which is generally placed upon a supportingsurface when the equipment bag 360 is in a resting position. Collapsibleside walls 366 are fabricated from a flexible material, such as, by wayof example only, canvas or nylon materials. The collapsible side walls366 allow the equipment bag 360 to fold or gather when the equipment bag360 is emptied so that the equipment bag 360 can be stored whileoccupying a reduced amount of storage space when not in use. It iscontemplated, however, that in alternative embodiments the side walls366 need not be collapsible.

When the equipment bag 360 is in a standing position as illustrated inFIG. 20, wheels 368 support the equipment bag 360. In use, when theequipment bag 360 is being transported, the equipment bag 360 isinclined so that the equipment bag 360 has an angle of inclination withrespect to the supporting surface 370 so that the equipment bag 100 canbe pulled via the handle 360 can be rolled along the supporting surface370.

The back wall 364 of the bag 360 includes a skid plate 372 extendingalong an outer surface of the back wall 364 at least partially betweenthe end edges and the side wall edges of the back wall 364. In anexemplary embodiment, the skid plate 372 includes a plurality of ridges374 extending longitudinally along the skid plate 372, and a centralrecess 376 located within the skid plate 372. The plurality of ridges374 elevate the planar back wall 364 from the supporting surface 370 andprotect the back wall 364 from wear and damage from external forces whenthe equipment bag 360 is being transported. Accordingly, the ridges 374are fabricated from a durable, rigid material, such as, for example,molded plastic.

The recess 376 is integrally formed with the skid plate 372 and has adepressed surface 378 that is recessed a distance 380 from the outersurface of the rigid side wall 364. The recess 378 houses and protectsthe handle 362 when the handle 362 is in the stowed position. The recess378 has an upper end that corresponds to the top end of the equipmentbag and a lower end that corresponds to the bottom end of the equipmentbag.

The handle 362 includes first and second longitudinal sides,respectively, and first and second lateral sides, respectively. Thelongitudinal sides extend between the first and second lateral sides. Asupport plate 382 is positioned between the longitudinal sides andextends a distance 384 from the first lateral side of the handle 362.The support plate 382 provides support to the handle 362 between thelongitudinal sides of the handle 362. The handle 362 is pivotablymounted to the rigid side wall 364 and is movable between a stowedposition and a pulling position as shown in FIG. 20. In the stowedposition, the handle 362 is exposed to the exterior of the rigid sidewall 364, and is substantially flush with the outer surface of the rigidside wall 364, which protects the handle 362 from bending forces whenthe equipment bag 360 is being handled, such as when the equipment bag360 is being inserted or removed from a vehicle, or when the equipmentbag 360 is being placed on the supporting surface 370.

In an exemplary embodiment, a first lateral side 386 of the handle 362is pivotably mounted within the recess 376. A second lateral side 388 ofthe handle 362 includes a hand grip that faces the bottom end of theequipment bag 360 when the handle 362 is in the stowed position. In anexemplary embodiment, the handle 362 is lockable in the stowed positionto protect the handle 362 from being damaged by inadvertently extendingout of the recess 376, thereby being exposed to external elements andforces. The second lateral side 388 of the handle 362 can be rotatablyremoved from the recess 376 to the pulling position for towing theequipment bag 360. When the handle 362 is in the pulling position, asshown in FIG. 20, the second lateral side 388 of the handle 362 issubstantially parallel with the first lateral side 386 and thelongitudinal sides of the handle 362 are substantially parallel with thesupporting surface 370. In an exemplary embodiment, the recess 376includes a grip area 290 that allows a user's hand to wrap partiallyaround the hand grip 388 of the handle 362 and remove the hand grip 388from the recess 376. Further details of the bag 360 and the handle 362are disclosed in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/885,264 filed Jul. 6, 2004, the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Some or all of the handle grip 388 may be covered with the thermalinsulation material 140 described above. By virtue of the material 140,the handle 362 provides similar advantages to those described above.

FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of an equipment bag or carrier400, which is particularly suited for transporting oversized items suchas a golf bag which may not be accommodated in general purpose bags,such as luggage bags and duffel bags commonly used by travelers to carrysmaller items, such as, clothing items, personal items, and the like.The golf bag carrier 400 includes an elongated, flexible body 402 havinga generally rectangular shape with opposing front and rear sides 404 and406, opposing side portions 408, and opposing top and bottom portions412 and 414 which in an exemplary embodiment are fabricated from aflexible or resilient material, yet generally maintain the shape of thecarrier 400. Stiffeners and the like may be included internal to thebody 402 to help maintain the overall shape of the carrier 400.

The bottom portion 414 has a rigid wheel casing 418 attached, located atthe rear side 406 of the carrier 400. Attached to the wheel casing 416is a pair of wheels 418 located on each side 408 of the carrier 400. Thebottom portion 414 also has legs 422 which allow the golf bag carrier100 to stand upright.

The front side 404 of the carrier 400 includes a storage pouch 424located near the bottom portion 414. The storage pouch 424 is accessedthrough a storage pouch zipper member 426. The front portion 404 alsoincludes a lower handle 428 at or near the bottom portion 414 of thecarrier 400. The lower handle 428 is used to help a user to carry, lift,or move the carrier 400. The carrier 400 further includes a carryingstrap assembly 430 which is located at or near the middle of the frontportion 404, and carrying strap locking clips 432.

The front portion 404 is attached to the side portions 408 via a zippermember 434. More than one zipper member may be provided in varyingconfigurations to define an opening to insert or remove a golf bag 450(shown in phantom in FIG. 21) from the carrier 400 through the frontside 404.

The golf bag 450 is but one example of an oversized item which may bestowed, transported and/or carried in the equipment carrier 400, andwhich, due to its size, shape, and weight, may not be accommodated ingeneral purpose bags, such as luggage bags and duffel bags commonly usedby travelers to carry smaller items, such as, clothing items, personalitems, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the golf bag 450includes an elongated body 452 having a longitudinal axis extending froman upper end 454 to a lower end 456 of the body 452. A golf clubcompartment extends between the ends 454 and 456, and the compartment issized and dimensioned to receive a set of golf clubs 460 therein. Thegolf clubs have heads positioned proximate the upper end 454 of the golfbag 450. The golf bag 450 may be inserted and fitted into a cavitydefined by the body 402 of the carrier 400.

The rear side 406 of the carrier 400 may includes a skid plate 372 (FIG.20) and the handle 362 as described above with respect to FIG. 20. Inuse, the handle 362 is rotated outwardly from a closed position to apulling position similar to the position shown in FIG. 21. In thepulling position, the user pulls the carrier 400 via the handle 362 in adirection of Arrow C with the wheels 418 rolling on the supportingsurface 370.

Some or all of the handle 362 may be covered with the thermal insulationmaterial 140 described above. FIG. 22 depicts a carrier element 472 uponwhich the material 140 may be overmolded as described above, and thecarrier 472 imparts the final shape to the handle 362. By virtue of thematerial 140, the handle 362 provides similar advantages to thosedescribed above.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specificembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of theclaims.

1. A towing handle system for a wheeled item, the system comprising: ahandle attachable to the wheeled item and comprising a handle gripportion for a person's hand to tow the item, the handle grip portioncomprising a cellular solid thermal insulation material.
 2. The handlesystem of claim 1, wherein the cellular solid thermal insulationmaterial comprises cork.
 3. The handle system of claim 1, wherein thecellular solid thermal insulation comprises a cork infused rubberizedmaterial.
 4. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the item is selectedfrom the group of a luggage item, an equipment carrier, and a golf bagcarrier.
 5. The handle system of claim 1, wherein the system furthercomprises at least one telescoping support post, the handle beingattached to the support post.
 6. The handle system of claim 1, whereinthe handle is fixed to a surface of the wheeled item.
 7. The handlesystem of claim 1, wherein the handle is asymmetrical.
 8. The handlesystem of claim 1, wherein the handle is T-shaped.
 9. The handle systemof claim 1, wherein the handle is ball shaped.
 10. The handle system ofclaim 1, wherein the handle is U-shaped.
 11. The handle system of claim1, further comprising a pivot mechanism configured to pivot the handleabout at least one axis.
 12. The handle system of claim 1, wherein thehandle comprises a carrier, the thermal insulation material overmoldedon the carrier.
 13. A wheeled bag comprising: a body defining at leastone compartment for storing items therein for transport by a person, atleast one wheel coupled to the body, and a towing handle mounted to thebody and accessible to a user for towing of the bag by a person along asupporting surface, wherein the towing handle comprises a solid cellularmaterial defining at least a portion of a handle grip.
 14. The handlesystem of claim 13, wherein the cellular solid thermal insulationcomprises cork.
 15. The handle system of claim 13, wherein the cellularsolid thermal insulation comprises a cork infused rubberized material.16. The handle system of claim 13, wherein the body defines one of aluggage item, an equipment carrier or a golf bag carrier.
 17. The handlesystem of claim 13, wherein the system further comprises at least onetelescoping support post.
 18. The handle system of claim 13, wherein thehandle has a shape, the shape being selected from the group of anasymmetrical shape, a T-shape, a ball shape and a U shape.
 19. Thehandle system of claim 13, wherein the bag comprises a side wall, theside wall being collapsible.
 20. The handle system of claim 13, whereinthe handle comprises a carrier, the thermal insulation materialovermolded on the carrier.
 21. A baggage system: a piece of baggagedefining at least one storage compartment for storing items packedtherein for transport; wheels coupled to the piece of baggage forrolling the baggage along a surface, and a towing handle mounted to thebody and extendable therefrom to a towing position, the towing handlecomprising an internal carrier element and a external thermal insulationmaterial applied to the internal carrier element, the thermal insulationmaterial comprising a cork infused rubberized material, the thermalinsulation material defining a handle grip for towing of the piece ofbaggage by a person along the surface.
 22. The system of claim 21,wherein the piece of baggage is selected from the group of a luggageitem, an equipment carrier, and a golf bag carrier.
 23. The handlesystem of claim 21, wherein the system further comprises at least onesupport post joining the handle to the baggage.
 24. The handle system ofclaim 22, wherein the support post is curved along its length.
 25. Thehandle system of claim 21, wherein the handle has a shape, the shapebeing selected from the group of an asymmetrical shape, a T-shape, aball shape and a U shape.
 26. The handle system of claim 21, wherein thehandle is selectively positionable relative to the bag.
 27. The handlesystem of claim 21, wherein the handle is connected to a telescopingsupport, the handle being positionable relative to the support.